JOHN Sellars (December 25) clearly outlines the simple logic that has led to the problem of the further education colleges having the worst industrial relations record of any sector in the British economy.
College boards of management have full responsibility in allocating resources. Therefore they must also have responsibility for staff costs and hence pay bargaining. But the Secretary of State should provide the “necessary allocation” of funds.
The solution should be equally simple. Let’s reverse the order. The Secretary of State has responsibility to allocate adequate resources.
This requires the responsibility for negotiating pay levels. College boards of management therefore require new limited responsibilities.
Bruce Heil,
Gilmore Place, Edinburgh
